Playparks back in action

Children and families will be able to enjoy their local playparks again as North Ayrshire Council reopened its facilities on Monday.

 

Playparks have been closed since late March in response to national guidance and as part of the council’s efforts to help slow down the spread of COVID-19.

 

However, in line with the national route map out of lockdown, council-owned playparks will be opened back up to the public next week.

 

To prepare for the safe reopening, the council has been undertaking safety inspections, equipment maintenance and grass-cutting across its 84 playparks.

 

Signage has also been installed reminding parents, carers and children to continue following the guidelines in relation to social distancing as well as sanitising children’s hands both before and after using the play equipment.

 

Residents should continue to adhere to the government’s advice on travel by staying local – keeping within five miles of their home.

 

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: 'The decision to close our playparks was a really difficult one for us, as we know they are enjoyed by so many families and children across our communities. However, it was necessary to do this to help protect people and slow the spread of the virus.

 

'Now, as the country navigates its way out of lockdown, we are pleased to be in a position to once again allow our residents to spend some quality, fun time with their children at their neighbourhood playparks.

 

'However, we strongly urge anyone who wishes to use one of our playparks to adhere to the social distancing and hygiene guidelines as well as staying local – we cannot stress this enough.'